The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office will be the first agency in Ohio to use drones in response to incidents under a new program.
Officials said the Drones As First Responders program, which begins this month, will allow the sheriff’s office to dispatch a drone to a call for service when a deputy is not required.
Drones could also be deployed to the scene ahead of time to assess the situation and assist when a deputy arrives.
A drone operator can remotely control and monitor the drone from a different location in Hamilton County.
The operator will then be able to communicate with deputies en route and explain the situation.
The program is a collaboration with Skydio, a drone manufacturer, which promotes it as a way for first responders to get eyes and ears on the scene before they can physically arrive.
According to Skydio, the drones can be deployed from docks throughout the area and reach scenes at speeds of up to 45 mph.
The drones use technology that allows them to see in complete darkness.
Skydio has collaborated with law enforcement officials in New York, Las Vegas, and elsewhere.
The program will begin in January, but the sheriff’s office did not specify when. WCPO expects to learn more during a demonstration on January 14.
